New Zealand news – Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Seifert picked for India ODIs

The New Zealand selectors named a split squad for the five ODIs because some of the players will head to Wellington – the venue for the first Test – after the third ODI to prepare for the upcoming Test series. That means seven other players will join the squad for the last two ODIs, making it 21 players for the entire series.

“Zak Foulkes (hip flexor), Will O’Rourke (calf), and Ben Sears (ankle) were not considered for selection as they rehabilitate their respective injuries,” an NZC release said.

Allen and Ferguson last played their respective ODIs in late 2023, Allen just before the ODI World Cup and Ferguson during the World Cup.

“Head coach Rob Walter will be joined by bowling coach Jacob Oram, and departing batting coach Luke Ronchi on his final New Zealand assignment before assuming his role as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the men’s Australian Big Bash League,” the release further said about the coaching positions. “Ronchi, Oram, and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson will lead the Test preparation in Wellington after the third ODI and be joined by newly appointed BLACKCAPS batting coach BJ Watling.”

Walter, along with Northern Districts men’s strength and conditioning coach Corey Miles, will remain with the ODI squad for games four and five, with additional coaching support to be announced in due course by NZC.

“First and foremost this is huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side,” Walter said. “With the ODI World Cup just one year away it’s important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event.

“Bringing in seven players for the final ODIs allows us to test our depth and see how those players fare against a world-class side.

“Obviously every Test match is important for us in terms of championship points, which is why we’re extracting some of that squad early for additional preparation before the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve on November 19.”

Matt Fisher and Nick Kelly, the newly contracted Black Caps, have been included in the squad for the final two ODIs. Mitch Hay and Seifert are among the keeping options for the last two ODIs after Test captain Latham will leave the ODI side to prepare for the red-ball series.

New Zealand ODI squads for India series

First three ODIs: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner

Last two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wk), Blair Tickner, Will Young

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